Grouper fish: description, habitat, useful properties, recipes

In nature, there are many species and subspecies of grouper fish. In fact, the grouper belongs to the rock grouper family. Scientists know about 90 species of this amazing fish. The main grouper species inhabit the waters of the Red and Mediterranean seas. Other representatives of this species are found in the waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.

At the same time, there are individuals of both small sizes, about 20 centimeters long, and real giants, reaching a length of 2 meters or more. Their weight also varies within a few hundred grams, up to hundreds of kilograms. For example, there is a giant grouper in the Indian Ocean.

Information about grouper fish

Description

The appearance of these fish is quite diverse and attractive, as a rule, various spots, dots, stripes, etc. are located on a dark body. At the same time, they can change their external color, depending on living conditions or mood, depending on the nature of their behavior.

And so:

• According to the biological structure, the grouper should be attributed to predatory fish species. This is indicated by a massive jaw, while the upper part is somewhat larger than the lower part.
• The structure of the jaws is such that it allows the grouper to suck in prey with great force. He feeds on small fish, for which he constantly hunts, as well as on other living objects that can fit in his mouth.
• The maximum size of individual species reaches 2,7 meters with a weight of 400-450 kilograms.
• As a rule, large-sized fish are not used for cooking or any dishes. For this, individuals of not large sizes are suitable, which have gained weight no more than 50 kilograms.
• Like most representatives of the underwater world, the grouper does not have a high calorie content.
• Grouper meat contains many beneficial components such as vitamins and minerals.
• The largest amount of such substances is noted in the meat of this fish: sodium, selenium, phosphorus and calcium, with a calorie content of about 118 kcal per 100 g of meat.

Habitat

This species of fish prefers the waters of the tropical zone, so their habitats do not extend to areas where the water is less cold. As a rule, the most suitable habitat for this fish is the waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Quite often, the grouper is found off the coast of Africa, Japan and Australia. Prefers not deep places, with values ​​no more than 100 meters. He spends a lot of time in hiding and only occasionally, if necessary, does he leave them. Widespread places for groupers to hide are shipwrecks, as well as coral reefs. The diet of this predator includes small fish, crabs, lobsters, as well as small sharks and rays. The main thing is that they fit in his mouth.

As a rule, the grouper swallows its prey whole and instantly, due to the special structure of the jaws. Being in its shelter, this fish constantly monitors potential prey and, if it suits it, then it immediately swallows it. The grouper reproduces with the help of eggs, which he lays in places where corals accumulate. After being born, the fry of this fish find here both food for themselves and shelter from enemies.

Interesting facts about the grouper

This fish has an interesting appearance: it has an elongated and slightly compressed body on the sides. Each individual may differ in individual behavior, therefore, it prefers to stay apart. They come together in groups only during spawning periods.

This fact is also interesting: the period of puberty is characterized by the fact that all individuals are females, and over time, growing up, they turn into males. In other words, all large individuals are exclusively males.

This fish prefers to be in a certain territory and does not carry out any migrations outside it. At the same time, the grouper is very aggressive in protecting its living space. He also shows the same aggressive action towards people if they are near his hiding place. A grouper can easily engage in a duel with a living object that is larger than him in order to protect himself and his home.

If he notices the one who disturbed his peace, then the same one will leave his shelter and go on the attack, opening his mouth. At the same time, he can bite painfully, swim to the side and, if necessary, he will attack again.

Useful properties of a grouper

Grouper meat, like most seafood, is distinguished by the capacity of easily digestible protein, as well as the presence of micro and macro elements, against the background of low calorie content. At the same time, the maximum content of potassium, selenium, phosphorus, etc. is noted. Grouper meat is considered a real delicacy, as well as a product that is quite healthy and dietary.

Experts recommend eating grouper meat at least once a week, which will reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, strengthen the central nervous system and improve memory. In addition, the presence of nutrients will help strengthen the immune system, which will allow a person to resist various diseases.

Flavor characteristics

Grouper meat is a real dietary product with a low calorie content and a huge content of useful components.

The beneficial substances that make up the meat of this fish are involved in the saturation of cells with oxygen, as well as in fat metabolism. At the same time, the condition of the skin improves and the level of sugar in the blood decreases. Meat will be no less useful for the thyroid gland, increasing its functional characteristics.

Grouper meat is white in color, and has a delicate texture, with a sweetish aftertaste. This is due to the fact that this fish feeds mainly on crustaceans and molluscs.

Caloric value

As already mentioned, in 100 grams of pure grouper meat contains about 118 kcal., which indicates a low energy value.

Presence of vitamins and minerals.

100 grams of a dietary product contains:

• Selenium – 46,8 mcg.
• Potassium – 475,0 mcg.
• Phosphorus – 143,0 mcg.
• Calcium – 21,0 mcg.
• Magnesium – 37,0 mcg.

Besides:

• Proteins – 24,84 grams.
• Fat – 1,3 grams.
• Carbohydrates – 0 grams.

Grouper Recipes

Grouper meat is prepared according to different technologies: first courses are prepared, simply boiled, stewed, baked in the oven, barbecued. The meat of this fish has a small amount of bones, so it is also steamed.

Grouper in Greek

To prepare a fairly tasty dish, you must have:

• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon.
• One bulb with feathers.
• Five steaks of grouper meat.
• Three heads of garlic.
• 180 g of dry wine.
• 70 g chicken broth.
• Lemon juice.
• Cumin and cinnamon for half a teaspoon.
• 125 g of hard cheese.
• 1 cup walnuts.

Method of preparation:

1. Grouper steaks are fried in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown.
2. Garlic and onion are fried in vegetable oil.
3. Tomato paste, chicken broth, lemon juice, salt and spices are also added here.
4. The mass is stewed for about 10 minutes, after which, pieces of fish and chopped greens are added here.

Grouper skewers

• Fish meat is cut into pieces, 2 by 2 centimeters in size.
• The pieces are laid out in a container, after which they are poured with lemon juice, and salt, garlic and spices are also added.
• Pieces are left for half an hour to marinate.
• Pieces of meat are strung on wooden skewers in turn with cherry tomatoes.
• Shish kebabs are laid out on a baking sheet and poured with marinade.
• Cook in the oven for about 10 minutes. Served with lemon slices.

An unambiguous conclusion suggests itself that grouper fish meat tastes good and is quite healthy. Therefore, its use can be recommended to every person to replenish the body with useful substances. At the same time, it must be borne in mind that there are people who cannot tolerate seafood. There are very few such people, so seafood has no contraindications, and especially those that have low energy value. They will be useful for those people who care about their health. At the same time, it should be remembered that excessive use will not bring benefits, although it will not harm.